30 December, 2009

When Big Ben strikes midnight tomorrow it will be an end of a decade. its true! As you get older time does go faster!The main things that stand out for me this decade is :Littlest Dude being born.Little Dudes starting school.The Robbos buying their first house.Getting the dogs.Dave being ill ..but getting better - thank goodness.Fertility treatmentChanging jobs.Starting my blog.Completing my Open University courses.Family trips to Centre Parcs.

And want do I want to do next decade? I want to go to Japan. I've been wittering on about it for years- time to start putting together a plan.And if this decade is the Noughties, is the next one the teenies?

24 December, 2009

We had the Little Dudes this morning and we took them down to the beach. I love the beach on Christmas Eve, it is deserted. We were all tightly wrapped up against the cold AND all the ice had gone - so the dog got his first long walk since the snow started.When we got back we watched Fred Claus. I thought it was really funny. I think the littlest Dude thought he was watching a documentary. He was glued to Santa TrackerThe boys were telling me how their Mum's Waitrose home delivery hadn't turned up. It was supposed to be delivered yesterday but the system crashed. Angela got the delivery today - but with bits missing. The nightmare before Christmas indeed.Merry Christmas eveyone ! Hope you're not too excited that you won't sleep tonight!

21 December, 2009

Well it had to happen. I slipped, feel right on my bum bum in an ice cold puddle just outside my house. I wouldn't mind but I so very nearly made it with out falling over.Am massaging Deep Heat on said tender area.

20 December, 2009

It has been snowing. I don't mind snow, but I HATE ice. I'm scared of falling over. We live down a side road and it is very icy. I haven't managed to take the poor dog for a walk. We only made it part way down the road, I was losing my balance and so was he. It makes me angry I think the council should make sure all side roads as well as main roads and pavements are gritted.

15 December, 2009

For a couple of months I've had this spot thing on my leg. When I went to the Doctor about something else, I mentioned it. She took a look and said it was a wart. The doctor suggested I buy a wart removal thingy -jig from the chemist.I meant to readers, but kept forgetting. Then to my shame, I started picking at it and worrying it. It became a bad habit. It looks disgusting now - I will get some wart stuff tomorrow. But really. I should know better.

14 December, 2009

This year I have got the majority of the Christmas presents on line. Oh the bliss of ordering stuff in the comfort of my own home- and as most sites don't charge for delivery any more, it normally works out cheaper. And even better all the stuff has been delivered, so I'm not worrying about it getting here for in time.

12 December, 2009

I can't believe that this is my first December post. Time does fly.I started to watch Kirstie's Home Made Christmas and to my surprise found myself shouting at the television. It was patronising and twee. It did not inspire to make presents infused with energy, time and love. Arrrgh!I was watching MTV last night. I normally do this when a. I'm a bit drunk and b. can't be bothered to go to bed/waiting for Steve to come in. We both had our work Christmas dos last night and I got home before Steve. Blur's Boys and Girls came on. They looked so young! Then I felt a bit sad as they are the same age as me, and I looked young once as well. Told you I was a bit drunk. Steve was a bit drunk when he came in and he totally understood me when I started to babble on about my heart felt connection to Blur. Which boils to down to the single fact I 'm the same age as Damon.Then we both fell into bed - after I took my make up off. I may have been a bit drunk but I am still a grown up.

29 November, 2009

Loving the new cooker! The new cooker smell! The lovely sparkly clean-ness of it all!

I've de-activated my Facebook account. I started getting messages from "friends" with viruses attached. The last message - wasn't v. nice and I just thought life is too short for this type of silliness.

Met Sharon yesterday and we had a gorgeous lunch at a Thai restaurant in Leigh. It made such a good change. Both agreed that we must do this more often. I also bought some wooden Christmas decorations, a tad pricey but they are gorgeous and will last for years.

Right - bath is ready now! Bath and the Archers omnibus - a very English way to start Sunday.

16 November, 2009

Saturday evening I made a lasagna, Popped it in the oven, set the temperature at 180 C and went off to do exciting things, like watch TV. After 30 minutes I went back to check on dinner. The lasagna was stone cold! The big oven was broken! I went and turned it off at the mains, put it back on again and it still didn't work And why should it - you can't reboot a cooker can you?Luckily the top oven still works so I cooked it in that. As the cooker is at least 20 years old - it was my Mum's old cooker and she got it second hand- I think it is time for a new one. I felt a bit sad though - it was a really good cooker.On Sunday we watched Disney's Christmas Carol. Yes that's right not Dickens' Christmas Carol, Disney's. It was v.good although I felt a bit sick with all the swooping /flying across London scenes.

14 November, 2009

There was a horror film called "The people under the stairs". Having just cleared out our cupboard under the stairs I'm surprised they had the room.I paired up shoes, re homed the summer jackets. Hauled up weirds bit of computer to the computer room, to ask Mr Robbo are they are any use? Threw out shoes that have I have never managed to break in. Got a door hanger thingy and hanged up the coats. its a lot better. It will never be a thing of beauty and there still isn't any room for deranged looking people (we tend to hang out in the living room) but its a lot better than what it was.

13 November, 2009

I'm getting a wee bit fed up of Facebook. Numerous Mafia Family requests, balls being thrown at me (do I want to throw the ball back? NO) the friend requests from people who barely say hello to me in real life....but I have just read something that made my eyes pop out.My Mum is on Facebook, she doesn't use it that much and all her friends on Facebook are people she knows well. When I looked at Facebook just now it said "Gina's Mum has only got 13 friends , suggest friends for Gina's Mum."Don't you think that is mean? Only 13 friends, my bot. At least she knows 'em.

08 November, 2009

It is Sunday morning and I have just had the luxury of being able to take my time getting ready. Steve has gone out taking the dog with him. I ran the bath and lit candles. Actually it was a good job I wasn't in a hurry because those matches are a bugger to light. It took me about 8 goes to get the match lit. I speak as someone who learnt how to use matches in the Brownies.East Beach had a firework display last night. At least I think it was the fireworks, some of the bangs were so loud I wondered if Foulness was firing on all cylinders. If those of you who aren't local, we live Foulness Island , which is Ministry of Defence land where they test firing ranges. Usually we remain blissfully unaware of what is going on, but some times it can make the windows rattle. Tommy was a star, though. It was obvious it didn't like all the bangs, but he just curled up under my feet , looking glum. Its the first year he hasn't peed in the house, during fireworks. It has only taken 7 years!

05 November, 2009

03 November, 2009

This weekend I was reading an interview with Russell Brand. The interviewer asks if he was good at sex, him being a sex addict and all. Russell say yes, the interviewer asks him how he could tell and he answered, he could tell by the reaction of the other person. He then goes on to say he found a woman's orgasm as terrifying. I can't remember how he described it but the gist was what was terrifying about it was the complete loss of control, the woman becoming goddess - like, the sheer abandoness.Sitting on the train this morning, a random thought crossed my mind. Could, just could, these women been faking a teeny tiny bit?

01 November, 2009

I've mentioned before that I like walking the dog in the rain. This morning it has been hammering it down and looking out at the garden the bushes and trees were swaying in the gusty wind. Tom looked at me expectantly, he was happy to go out in it...what could I do?Tom was kitted out in his coat. I put my big anorak hoody, warm jumper, jeans and boots. Leaving the house I had to hang on to the hood , to stop it blowing back. My jeans were soaked through and the dog looked like a big black rat. Walking out to the beach there were lots of windsurfers , catching the chopping waves. Tom and I watched them for a bit - we couldn't get any wetter, and Tom didn't seem bothered.When we got home I towel dried the dog. Peeled off the wet clothes (even my socks were wet) and sorted out some dry warm clothes. I'm glad we've got a cozy house.I don't intend going out again today.

When we lived in East Ham ( we moved when I was 11) we lived in an Edwardian house with a cellar. I remember the house as being quite creaky and we used to get mice. If my Mum reads this, she will probably tut and say we had mice only twice in the 10 years we lived there. But I'm remembering this as a little kid. There was one loo in the house , and that was upstairs. Walking up the stairs wasn't a problem. But going down the stairs....I could feel the eyes of evil staring at my back. I NEVER looked round, I'm not stupid, you never look round. I tore down the stairs, jumping the last 3 or 4 (no wonder the house creaked) and rush in to the living room. Then I'd be ok, as obviously once you were in the living room you were safe.

Once Mum and Dad went to bed, downstairs was very unsafe. I remember waking up one night very thirsty, but there was no way on earth I was going downstairs for a drink.* I couldn't get a drink from the bathroom tap, as Dad drilled in to me that you can't drink the upstairs water. Is that really true? Is bathroom cold tap water unsafe to drink?Even today I never use the bathroom sink tap for a drink of water.

* Waking up my parents wasn't an option. You wanna see something truly scary - wake those two up.

30 October, 2009

Friday evening:Get in from work. After an ecstatic greeting from Tommy, go into kitchen. Ugh what is that stench? Find mouldy food in food refuse bin. It must have slipped under the newspaper lining. Ugh. Bleach bin. Feed dog. Put washing on. Have a cup of tea. Start to prepare dinner ( I know supper is posher but to me it is dinner). Washing finishes, put washing out. Bung dinner in oven for when the Lord and Master gets in.It gets even better tomorrow morning. I'm going to Asda.

22 October, 2009

At work. I've just got in the lift, I'm the only one in it. I see a bloke coming towards me so I keep the lift open. He sashays in, head held high and heads for the back wall of the lift. The back wall of the lift is mirrored. He checks himself out and preens . No other word for it: he preens. Then he gets out on his floor with out a backward glance.He wasn't all that.

18 October, 2009

We went to see Up last night. I don't want to spoil it for any one - but it was one of the best films I have ever seen ever. I've never seen a 3d film before and was a bit worried it would be a bit headachey but the The 3 D -ness was marvellous. The glasses even fitted comfortably over the glasses that I wear.

17 October, 2009

On the front page of the paper today is a big banner: Exclusive George Clooney interview!!! Big bananas. Interviews with actors are boring. They trot out the same party line. the things they say are pretty banal. Interviews with up and rising actors are even worse - because they have nothing to say they come across as pretentious twits : Oh I was never interested in acting - I was offered this role - blah blah blah. Offered a role my eye- I never knew acting was such an easy profession to get in to.So I don't read interviews any more. They are glorified adverts.

15 October, 2009

One of my friends was saying that he regretted moving straight from home to setting up home with his girlfriend. he wished that he had spent time living with his mates first.Now I was a boomerang kid - I moved away to go to college and also want travelling. All very exciting but I would have loved to have settled down in my early 20s.I suppose the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

12 October, 2009

I twitted a link to my previous blog post and Chris Hawkins picked it up. He played a Queens of a Stone Age song for me this morning as I sat in the bath washing my hair. It was a nice start to the week. It reminded me when I was doing my O levels, listening to the Kid Jensen show (8 till 10, Monday to Thursdays) and I used to write in. I'd be revising, hoping that my request would be read out. Writing letters to radio stations ..how very 20th Century!

11 October, 2009

The first week back to work completed! And it wasn't so bad.Before I went back to work my radio alarm clock died. Well I say mine, it came with Steve when we moved in together but it ended up my side of the bed. Steve reckons it is about 20 years old. I used to wake up to Radio 2, but Sarah Kennedy started to get on my nerves. As I get ready for work at 5.45 I don't want to hear the presenter moaning about how little sleep she's had, she doesn't feel well etc etc. Radio 4 is too heavy for me at that time of the day. So for the past couple of months I've been getting ready for work in silence. Steve replaced the radio with a digital radio alarm. And I love it. I love how it looks- all sleek black and petite. I wake up to Radio 6, Chris Hawkins the presenter is smart and funny (and awake!) and the music - well readers, the music is great and you never know what is coming next, but I'm actually singing along. I can't remember the last time I sang along to the radio.

04 October, 2009

Back to work tomorrow. Dug my work handbag out of the cupboard. Made sure my I pod is fully charged. Checked hand sanitiser, emery board, lipstick, purse, work and trains passes, book to read. No wonder this bag weighs a ton!

02 October, 2009

Back in 2000 we were house hunting. I don't know if any of you have "the house that got away". The house that if some "if onlys" could have been sorted out you'd have bought.My if only house, was a 2 bed terraced house in a row of 3 houses. They backed on to fields, although the road they were on was a busy main road. The house was double fronted and had a very long front garden and an even bigger back garden. However inside was basic. No heating, no kitchen (!). It was the top end of our budget and needed a lot of money spending on it. Also it was a bit out of the way, and as I don't drive it could have been a problem.Over the years I've kept half an eye on the place - people have bought and sold the house 4 times in the last 9 years. I'd love to know why. None of the other houses have been on the market - what is it about that house? Do you think its haunted? Or just too small? I prefer the haunted version myself.

01 October, 2009

This blog is 3 years old. Ah bless, little toddler blog. I may have flirted with Facebook and Twitter but blogger is still my first love.You will be pleased to know that the new fish are still alive. Yay little fishes!Today I posted my first ever Amazon review. It was for Kelley Armstrong's Living with the Dead. I was going to review it here, but I thought - no be brave and post a review where people are actually likely to read it.Being brave .... I've noticed that as I get older I get more nervous. Travelling to and from Edinburgh was a bit of a worry to me. Will someone try and sit in our reserved seats (they did and I dealt with it - no biggy), will our suit case get pinched? will it fit on the luggage rack? All silly little niggles, but I did worry. When I was 23 me and my rucksack trundled round Asia and Australia. Sure I worried a bit before I went- but not that much. That's why I really believe as you get older you need to shake things up now and then. Go somewhere different, look for new jobs, vary the routine, say yes to stuff when you'd rather say no. It is so easy to get stuck in a comfortable rut , close down and stay safe. And when I play safe, I don't feel safe. I feel under siege.

30 September, 2009

Many years ago , before we even became dog owners, I bought a second hand aquarium from a bloke at work. We knew squat about keeping tropical fish so got books out of the Library and asked the nice people at the fish shop. However the first couple of weeks we had heavy casualties - it was like a fish holocaust. Eventually we either got the hang of it or the strongest survived and we even started getting baby fish. We didn't buy any more fish though- the balance seemed right, the fish were reproducing and we didn't want to upset it. At one point there were so many baby fish- we were giving them away. Before we went on holiday I was giving the tank a clean and was surprised to count only 5 fish. The size of our tank could take 10 to 15 comfortably (when we were giving them away I counted 35). Yesterday we went to the Aquatic shop and bought 5 black widow tetras to join the platys. Touch wood, they seem to have settled in nicely.

27 September, 2009

We had a brilliant time in Edinburgh. We were very lucky with the weather- dry and warm. We did a Highlands tour and although the guide warned us it would be wet, it was mainly dry and sunny. We did all the tourist things - well we were tourists : Loch Ness, saw the clouds cover Ben Nevis, the Castle, Holyrood palace, Scottish National Art Gallery and the Scottish parliament. We trotted up and down the Royal Mile, many times and bought a Robertson tartan scarf. I wanted to buy a Robertson tartan rug but we couldn't see one. The only disappointment was the state of Princes Street. There are digging up a tram line and the road is one long building site. It was a place to avoid, which was a great shame. Driving back through London it stuck me how flat London is compared to Edinburgh. Edinburgh is sooo hilly.So now we are back home. There is washing drying all over the upstairs and everything is unpacked.

20 September, 2009

Steve and I are off to Edinburgh tomorrow. We have dropped off Tommy at Mrs S, the lady that looks after him. She thinks the world of Tom. Has a massive garden and a very lovely dog called Gemma. I know Tom won't be pining for us. But coming back home - the place feels dead with out Tom.Still we've done most of the packing - just waiting for some clothes to dry. I'm really looking forward to our holiday, it feels like it has been a long time coming.

15 September, 2009

I was actually explaining the difference between a werewolf and a shape shifter to some one at work today. I am 41 years old. Do you think I'll ever grow up?Mmn just read that last sentence and thought it would make a good tweet. Yep I've got a Twitter account. You have to be careful who you follow -some people tweet ALL the time and it gets a tad tedious. Although I love watching Location whilst reading Kirstie's live tweets.On other matters, I 've been watching so much telly so we have got Sky Plus. Especially since we were away last weekend and I had all the programmes to catch up on. Its a bit mad, because with the exception of True Blood, Location and How Clean is your house - I 've seen them all before. Frasier is my favourite comfort viewing. Also been watching the new Miss Marple - but get a bit bored and end up watching them for the sale of it. 2 hours is too long.

02 September, 2009

I've just got in from work. It is grey outside and drizzling. I love coming home, out of the cold and wet. It feels so cozy. I love lighting the candles and (not although cold enough at the moment) and putting the stove on. I do like summer , opening the windows, letting the air in. Doing the garden. But I love Autumn. Drawing the curtains, making everything snug. I even prefer walking the dog- neither of us over heats and we can go on longer walks. The only thing I don't like, it getting up in the dark. Oh man!

31 August, 2009

About six or seven years ago I bought a second hand fish tank from a chap at work. I was going through a stressful time and I hoped that an aquarium would be relaxing. I knew nothing about keeping fish and followed the chap's instructions. Filled the tank with water and stones for a week before introducing fish. We went out and bought 2 cat fish and tetras. Unfortunately the pump did not work probably and we lost the tetras but the catfish survived. We got a new pump ( and a telling off from the fish shop guy) and got guppies. Guppies have lots of children and we haven't had to buy any fish since. Earlier this year one of the cat fish died and this morning when I found that the second cat fish had died. It feels like an end of an era.

30 August, 2009

I have just finished Tess Gerritsen's Keeping the Dead. In American it is called The Keepsake, which I think its a matter name for the book and in keeping with the series - The Apprentice, The Sinner etc. British people know what Keepsake means don't they? I enjoyed it - another page turner. There was a part in it that got me thinking. I don't want to spoil it for you but a mother tells her daughter that the real definition of nuclear family are the mother and child. Fathers come and go, but the mother stays. Now there is a good reason where the character says this, but it got me thinking about my Dad. When I was growing up I didn't see much of him, because he was ALWAYS working. That man slogged his guts out making sure that his family had a good lifestyle. Mum worked hard too, but Dad put in the hours. I think he worried a lot about making enough money. As a result when he was home he was dog tired and short fused. We all had to tip toe around him. Thinking back, Dad's not stupid he must have picked up on this, and I think it must have got to him. He took early retirement and I think it was the best thing he ever done. Dad is much more chilled and I feel like I know him. We chat on the phone and go to see Agatha Christie plays together. When I see him with his grandchildren it makes me sad that he couldn't have that easy going intimacy with his children. Perhaps it is a generation thing, as the Little Dudes have a relaxed relationship with their Dad.Amy way Dad, I appreciate all what you have done for me. I'm glad to be your daughter. Even if you do go on about cricket. A lot.

27 August, 2009

Last weekend was a Centre Parcs Weekend. Mum, me , Angela and the little Dudes. We had a fantastic time - but don't you find time passes differently at CP? It goes really, really fast. I went on the Rapids (and have the bruises to prove it), Kana-kanued (was v. rubbish) pedallo'd (much easier and a kana kanu bit got soaked when we did a de tour to the fountain in the middle of the lake) and came third in bowling. On a more chilled level Mum and I spent the morning at the Aqua sana, finishing off with a facial. It was bliss. Although it was nice to come home and see Steve again - I could have done with another day. The Little Dudes always look devastated when they have to leave, which puts a bit of a downer on it.When I got home I did a mamouth washing sesh. Steve had kept the house spink and span, so that put me in a good mood. I was completely cream crackered though.

16 August, 2009

I've been watching True Blood . I started to read the Charlaine Harris books few years back and liked them. In fact I think they were the first modern vampire books I read. I borrowed them from the library, so don't have them to hand - but I remember the books being a tad less sexual than the series. In fact all the sex is really slowing the story line in the TV series. And, forgive the pun, I don't remember Jason having such a big part in the first book...still I'll keep watching. It is funny, sharp and sexy.Tom got me up at 3am. He then wandered around the garden for 20 minutes!!! It is no good calling him up because if he hasn't finished his "business" he 'll only want to be let back out. And it wasn't too bad as I didn't have to get up this morning. It will be a different story if he tries that again tonight. Dogs!I got a letter from the little girl that we sponsor. Maria tells us about the beautiful new latrines that have been built in her school. She ends with: This is all I write to you. I expect an answer to this letter.I'm getting bossed about by my sponsor child. I always answer her letters. Now I'm too scared not to.

In the news this week there has been a big furore about a Tory MEP slagging off the NHS. He was in America speaking in a Republican do. Apparently lots of Americans are getting worried about Obama's proposed health reforms.But my question is- even those Americans who have health insurance - what happens if you have a long term condition? When does the insurance run out? I'm thinking of my diabetic Dad, my Mum with her weird eye problem (she has been under Moorfields hospital for nearly 20 years). What if you have a child with special needs? What about when the special needs child is an adult how does that work under the American health care system?I think that MEP may have won Gordon Brown the next election. Oh and BTW I love the NHS.

13 August, 2009

I am a bit of a sucker for self help books. One of the things they suggest is not to order the same thing when you are in a restaurant. try new things ! Don't get stuck in a rut! I did try to do this , but I learnt I feel very sad if I have a Chinese meal and do not have Kung Po Prawns. I eat whatever I have, secretly yearning for Kung Po prawns. Evey Thursday Steve and I have a Chinese takeaway (another routine. But Wednesday doesn't feel right and Friday, well I'm so thrilled its Friday I cook something special) and I order the same thing. But it makes me happy.

09 August, 2009

If a bee gets into the house, Steve gets rid of it but using a glass and a bit of card board. If there is a fly and I can't whoosh it out I go mad with the fly spray. Steve says yyou should squirt the spray into the corners of the room, I just train the can on the fly and blast it.I've noticed older people have very different ways. My 85 year old aunt uses a flannel. Her eye to hand co ordination is excellent. My Dad (69) uses his hand to nudge a bee out of the window. Rodney (don't know his age but he lives in the old people flats) uses a car key to kill a wasp. He uses the black bit of the key to trap it against the window, squishes it a bit -lets it drop on the window ledge , and then uses the sliver bit of the key to finish it off. Impressive.

08 August, 2009

When I was a little girl I thought my Dad was really, really tall. It just wasn't because I was little- my Mum's family is short and Dad towered over them. The other day I was wearing shoes with a bit of a heel and I noticed that I was nearly as tall as him.Me: How tall are you Dad?Dad: five foot elevenDad is only three inches taller than me! Steve is five inches taller than him! Funny how I never noticed before. Mind you it made me realise how minuscule my Mum's side of the family must be.

1.I find that as I get older, things slip my mind. there has been something I have been meaning to tell Steve for ages. I remember when I'm out at work...only to forget by the time I get home. its nothing earth shattering - just something I think he'd be interested in. If only I could remember...2. I saw my boss having a senior moment. He got up from his desk - a look of confusion crossed his face - and he sat back down again, deflated.3. I have this rogue black hair that spouts from my chin. I tweezer that fecker off!

22 July, 2009

I had the Little Dudes over Saturday night. We had pizza and watched Terminator 2. I even managed to hook their PSP to 'tinternet! The next morning the Oldest Dude was raving about how much he liked our bath. It pulled me up short as currently I hate the bathroom. It is small, the tile paint is peeling and the floor needs replacing. But he made me remember how thrilled I was that we had finally bought a house - and I loved the bath too. It is quite a long bath - I can stretch out in it. And as the Dude says, little bathrooms are cozy. I still want it re tiled though!

18 July, 2009

I read an article this morning about how much food supermarkets waste. The Co Op wastes the least. This is because it does not have over stocked shelves and is not afraid of running out of things. That gave me pause for thought. I don't often shop in the Co Op as I find there off putting to see one lonely little box of mushrooms - it makes me feel I'm buying stuff no one else wants. WHICH IS RIDICULOUS!! Note to self - must use Co Op more often and not be bedazzled by psychological supermarket trickery.

12 July, 2009

Oh dear. I am in one of those moods when I want things and I want to change things:

I want to... rearrange the living room lay out. I know Steve reckons the lay out is perfect but I'm bored with it. I want ..to replace the ginormous settee with 2 smaller settees.I want ...to get rid of the carpet and replace it with wooden flooring. Its mad having a carpet when you've got a dog. Sod the acoustics.I want ....a bigger garden.I want..... the hallway and landing redecorated, new flooring and vertical blinds on the landing window.I want ...a big, fat, flat screen telly. And I want it on the wall.I want....a big bedroom so I can put the rocking chair in there.I want ...a new crisp, clean bathroom.

I don't like myself much when I get in these moods. I feel all antsy and can't settle.

On a different note. I took Tom for a walk this morning and as he "was doing his business" 2 men stopped and stared. It took me a while to realise that they were staring at us. I was confused for a second - why would they want to look at a dog taking a dump. I don't! I stare out in to the middle distance while all that is going on. Then the penny drooped. Holding up and shaking a poo bag at the 2 men I shouted "Its ok !I'll be clearing it all up!" And they walked off. Sad sacks.

11 July, 2009

One of my property porn faves is The Home Show. Where George redesigns people's houses. George does love his open plan "spaces". One of my pet peeves is referring to a room as a space. Just seems a bit too up yourself. But my biggest peeve is when anyone says "the kitchen is the heart of the home". Its not! The idea that we all spend time giving dinner parties, cook meals every day that means we have to spend ages in the kitchen is a myth. I cook EVERY day (except Thursdays - take away night)and I don't spend that long in the kitchen. It doesn't take long to prep the veg, bung it in the oven, put water on to boil. I haven't got to be in the kitchen all the time I'm cooking. I wander in and out. I put stuff in the oven, look at my watch and think "mmn check this in 20 minutes" and go and do something else. I haven't got kids, but kitchens are not child friendly - knives, boiling water, hot ovens. You want to keep the kids well away whilst you're cooking. And kitchens get messy. I don't want to be looking at that mess whilst I'm eating my dinner. When I eat my dinner I want to be watching telly. I eat my dinner, sitting on the settee watching telly and admiring my dining table that I use about once a year.If you have all open plan than an utility room is a must. You need to be able to shut out the noises of the washing machine and a place to dump all your crud. Perhaps there are really posh noise-less washing machines I don't know about.And another thing - these spaces are typically wooden floored, curtainless affairs. The acoustics must be awful- echo, echo. And hard to keep warm.Aah rant over.

I spent this week watching TorchwoodDon't read any further if you haven't watched it

...So it was a sad ending. I was left thinking "Is that it?" won't they be doing any more series? I liked the fact it was an uncomfortable ending. That Stephen didn't "cough" awake afterwards. It made the story seem more true.

I couldn't believe cry baby Jayne won Celebrity MasterChef. I thought it would be Wendi or Iwan. Wendi was the best cook and Iwan had improved the most. In the team challenges they had both helped Jayne when she couldn't hack it.

The Mentalist - - I know it is supposed to be light hearted but I thought it was just a tad silly this week.

And that is what I have been mainly watching this week. Oh - apart from the Frasier re runs that I have been Sky -plussing. Oh and aside from the property porn programmes that I love.

05 July, 2009

Yesterday evening we were invited round Sharon and Tim's. It was their 9th wedding anniversary. Sharon cooked Mexican which was delicious. As it was a warm night we sat out in the garden chatting. And it was really, really nice. We have all been through some pretty hard times ..and as we sat there relaxing and enjoying each other's company I thought how lucky I was. I felt at peace.

03 July, 2009

On the train home tonight(well this afternoon really - I got the 16:45) some "rowdies" got on. They were singing, swearing - even dancing at some points. They were young lads - about 14? 15? And the rest of the carriage completely ignored them. It was like we were shunning them. People talked in their mobiles, gazed out of the windows, read their papers. We all acted as if they weren't there.I, the other hand, have most definitely not been shunned. I've spoken before about how commuters ignore each other. Well, when I got on the train this morning, a fellow passenger remarked ot me about the weather. The man that always sits beside me said "morning". I almost looked around to see who he was talking to - he has never eve n made eye contact before. The bloke who let me get off the trains said "you're welcome" when I thanked him. ( I always thank people but this is the first response I've had). Lastly in the lift at work (no one ever talks in the lift. I think it might be against the law) the sole other occupant started chatting. Weird!

29 June, 2009

Well today wasn't too bad...even getting up was ok. And it is true - the less time you have got to do things the more you do.BTW I am NOT going to moan about the weather. It is Summer, is is supposed to be hot.

28 June, 2009

Today is the last day of my week off work. Although I suppose you could say Friday was, as I get the weekends off anyway. I remember when I was younger hearing older people say that it took them a few days to really relax into their holiday. I used to think that was rubbish and that they were sad sacks. Now I realise it it true! Saturday through to Tuesday we did odd jobs that needed doing, were still getting up relatively early. Wednesday...by Wednesday we were completely chilled and did nothing. The luxurious feeling of wasting time and not getting uptight about it. Getting up tomorrow is going to be a shock..

26 June, 2009

Before I went to bed last night there were unconfirmed reports that Michael Jackson had died. When I put on the news this morning it was confirmed...and it has been on the news ALL day. A minute by minute count down of what happened till he died. To be honest, with all his plastic surgery and problems I'm surprised he lasted as long as he did. I hope his kids will be ok.

24 June, 2009

Steve and I have this week off work. Last night we went to see La Roux at The Chinnerys. The place was heaving. The support act - I think they were called The Magistrates were really good - they had real stage presence. I had never heard of La Roux before - the singer reminded me a bit of Elizabeth Frasier from the Cocteau Twins. It was a good sweaty night. And the loos were clean and there wasn't a queue - what more could you want from a music venue?Yesterday I was did a bit of gardening - as in cutting back and tidying up. Our garden is quite small and is dominated by 2 cordaline palms, various shrubs and a passion flower that covers one fence. Before I was a dog owner I loved introducing new plants and pots, but Tommy's pee does kill a lot of stuff off. And he does seem to target pots. I was thinking of potting a fuscia (rather than plant it in the ground, as our soil is alkaline) and a collection of alpines. But as Steve pointed out it would end in (my) tears when Tom kills 'em. I once asked a garden centre bod to recommend dog proof plants and he laughed and said "plastic". How do other garden loving dog owners get on? We have finally got Sky Plus. Of course there were the usual annoyances - Sky debiting our account too many times, engineers not turning up - but after lengthy phone calls it is all sorted. I'm mainly watching Frasier and the home style shows. I'm a telly slut.

17 June, 2009

As my train was pulling into the station we became enveloped in a thick black smog. We realised that there was a big fire alongside the station. The black smoke was billowing right across. I think that the fire had just started. I was walked home, I was amazed to see people running to get a good look. Are they mad? Goodness knows what rubbish we were all breathing in - and the whole thing could exploded. Unless you are a fire man who would want to run towards a fire?

15 June, 2009

I have had five dogs: a rescue mongrel, a lab cross, a Jack Russell and, of course the greyhounds Penny and Tommy. And the greyhounds are the only dogs I've had that can't cope with thunder. The others didn't like it much, they'd look fed up. Penny used to go mad, panting, destructive (she'd try to dig through the carpet). Tom whines, won't eat and won't settle.Are all greyhounds like this?

14 June, 2009

This week I have gone to the "create post" part of the blog. Stared at the screen ...and then walked away. I couldn't think of anything to write. Or I'd start to type and thing "boring!" and delete it. I've got Blogger's block. Now as I want to keep this blog going I'm just going to write some random stuff and hopefully get my blogging mojo back.

Stopped watching The Tudors. Realised Henry is only interesting when his women are.It all goes a bit flat when Catherine and Anne are out of the picture.

The sea walk between Shoebury and Southend has finally opened. Walked Tom down there yesterday, very lovely walk.

Watched Joey last night. It's a shame the show was cancelled. It was funny, especially the first series.

07 June, 2009

I was speaking to Rodney yesterday and it seems to me that Danny the greyhound is training his owners:Danny won't eat the same meal 2 days runningDanny won't eat any meal unless there is a bit of "people" food mixed in (usually gravy)Danny likes his meal to bought to his bedDanny rarely gets up to greet any one- although he MAY occasionally wag his tail as you are talking to him.Danny seems one retired greyhound that has taken his retirement seriously.

01 June, 2009

29 May, 2009

Yesterday Tommy Dog had to have a few teeth taken out. poor little blighter. I took today off work to look after him. After a shaky start (he turned his nose up at breakfast but ate up his pain killers and anti biotics no problem, thank goodness) I took him for a shortish walk. I took over to see Danny dog and Rodney gave him pieces of cheese that he snapped up. As Tom was walking he had his mouth hanging open and I was surprised to see that he still has quite a lot of teeth left. The walk - or was it the cheese? perked Tom up. A bit later I fed him chicken which he wolfed down. As I type this he is having a snooze.Tescos pet insurance excludes dental work. When I think of how much we have paid in insurance in the past 6 years we have had him it makes me go cold. We would have been better off putting the money in a savings account. So we are going to cancel the insurance and do just that.

24 May, 2009

23 May, 2009

Angela once said that I was one of the most easy going people she knew. Angela must know a lot of mad nutters. Let me explain:On Steve's new phone he gets his email/Twitter updates. When he wants to show me an update instead of handing me the phone, he thrusts the phone right into my face and says "Read this!" Read it? At that distance I can't even focus.

Last nightSteve: Read this!Gina: pushing the phone back a bit: Steve can you just hand me the phone? I can't focusSteve: OkGina then reads a Twitter - big Whoop.

Little later:Steve thrusting phone right up to Gina's face : Read this!Gina pushes phone away so she can read the blooming thing: Steve could you just hand the phone to me next time - it makes me feel a bit giddy.Steve: Ok

This morning:Steve, thrusts phone into Gina's face: Read this!Gina:FOR FECKS SAKE! WHAT PART OF HAND ME THE FECKING PHONE DON'T YOU GET? YOU FECKING IDIOT. WHEN YOU FECKING DO THAT IT MAKES ME FEEL FECKING SICK. I DON'T EVEN FECKING CARE ABOUT FECKING TWITTER. IF I FECKING CARED I'D FECKING BE ON TWITTER!Steve: A lot of things you do make me feel sickGina: Oh feck off.

20 May, 2009

There has been a lot in the news recently about a pregnant woman of 66. She will be 67 when the baby is born. People have had plenty to say about it- mainly that she is being selfish because she will die when the child is relatively young. Personally I don't think that is a reason against- no one knows when they are going to die. I've blogged before about not being able to have children. I had some courses of fertility treatment and they didn't work. I didn't get pregnant but I did go round the twist. I stopped the treatment because I was at the end of my tether. I don't think I will ever get get over it: I work round it, I feel that I have come to terms with it. When I hear of women in their 60s or 50s getting pregnant ( and how old were they when they started?) it makes me think perhaps that yearning never goes away.

17 May, 2009

Yesterday Mum and me took the Little Dudes to the Tower of London. I have blogged before about how I think London is a great city, and that I am very lucky to have all that on my door step. We had a wonderful but tiring time (all those steps!) The ravens were the size of Jack Russells and were very bold. There were signs in many, many languages warning that they bite. Each raven had a colour bank round it's ankle. (Do birds have ankles?)On one of the many leaflets we were given was a guide on the Ravens. The colour told you what their name was. How good is that?!Amongst on the Towers is a Tudor House. It is called the Queen's House and Henry built it for Ann. The house faced the green where they executed people- including Ann herself. We also went to the Tower where the important prisoners were kept. On the walls you could see where they had craved their names- one was Jane , who the historians think was Lady Jane Grey. it was a bit sad, really.The main exhibition was "Dressed to kill" and showed the armour. There were interactive displays (thank goodness as I found out the Littlest Dude loves to touch things). If you have a chance to go there I strongly recommend it.

10 May, 2009

This morning I took Tom for a walk. As usual we stopped at Danny the greyhound's flat for a chat - and Tom got his pieces of cheese from Rodney, Danny's owner. And for the first time, I took them both out for a walk. Tommy and Danny that is, not Rodney. We didn't go far, but I really enjoyed it and the dogs loved it. Rodney said that he could see that I was used to walking two dogs. It did choke me up a bit as it reminded me of walking Tom and Penny. The leads only got tangled up once - when I was clearing up after Danny and the dogs got tired of waiting. Danny was very gentle on the lead, which was handy as he is huge. He dwarfs Tommy.After the walk, Tom wanted to stay with Rodney and Danny. The little tinker!

09 May, 2009

RobboWorld has been bread bin-less for the past 5 years. I had a ceramic one but I broke the lid when I was washing up. It just slid out of my hand in one of those horrible slow-mo moments when you can see it happening but can't stop it. I wouldn't say I've been on the look out ever since - bread bins aren't the most exciting thing to buy - bit I've been intending to replace it. Today I have, which you may have guessed from the blog post title. I bought a cream tin one with Bread written on it in blue (matches the paint in the kitchen.) It cost £12.71.

04 May, 2009

....Not that I like Star Wars, but I like that joke.Took Tom for a walk along with my sports tracker. We walked 2.7 something miles - although we did stop for some chats with fellow dog walkers.Not doing that much today - mainly stumbling - I found these interesting facts . When I had my gap year (although we didn't call it that then. We called it :going travelling)I was amazed how well informed Canadians and Americans were about their home states. They could quote the population/GDP at me.

03 May, 2009

I took Tom for a walk this morning. I used the Nokia Sports Tracker on my mobile. It shows where I walked, my fastest pace and all that. Having to stop for Tommy's sniffys and "comfort" breaks slowed me down. I'm going to use it on the walk to work - cos I'm flying then. Yep, I'm a geek.

02 May, 2009

Steve and I have had a busy few days. We went to see The Boxer Rebellion at La Scala Thursday night. La Scala is at Kings Cross, so rather than have to trog all the way home late at nigh we booked into a local Travelodge and had Friday off work.The gig was heaving (at sometimes with the moshing - literally!) and I really enjoyed myself. it was nice just having a ten minute walk back to the hotel , rather than having to worry about tubes and trains. The next day we went to the National Portrait gallery. It has really changed - but then I don't think I have been there for about 20 years. How time flies. I've been reading a lot of Tudor history lately and it felt special to be able to look at the paintings that are always reproduced in the books. You know like the famous Anne Boleyn painting. There was also a cartoon of the famous Holbein of Henry the eighth. Something I found interesting was a lithograph of Anne Boleyn that referred to her has Elizabeth the first's mother. It gave her date of death but didn't mention that she was executed. I was surprised to see that as I had always imagined that Anne was not mentioned during Elizabeth's reign - as Elizabeth's parentage was bit of a touchy subject.

28 April, 2009

I think I might have a super power. I was round the Murphys' house, sitting in the living room. I think Sharon had popped upstairs. Millie the cat comes in. Now I'm very allergic to cats, I can't touch them. I have to explain that to people I like cats but I can't pet them. Millie came swaggering up to the settee (I'm not exaggerating - Millie was owning the room) and started to claw it. I wasn't sure what to do. So I said quietly "Millie, are you allowed to that?" Millie immediately stopped clawing and went to sit in the middle of the room. When I told Sharon she couldn't believe it.Now I'm sure that it is just normal cat behaviour but I prefer to think that I have super power.

26 April, 2009

I've worked out why Tommy always wants me to walk him. Near the sea front are some retirement flats and we always stop and talk at the window with an elderly couple that have a greyhound. I don't know their names, but their dog is called Danny. Today Steve took Tom for a walk and Tommy "guided" Steve to Danny's place. (I did tell Steve my suspicions and where the flat was.) Surprise, surprise when they got home Tom wasn't bothered if I walked him. The little Tinker!

25 April, 2009

We have been invited to a Barbecue today, and as such things aren't usually veggie friendly I popped into Asda to get some nice veggie sausages. I couldn't believe how little veggie frozen stuff was there. Hardly anything at all. What's going on Asda?

23 April, 2009

I've blogged about commuting before - how miserable it can be. You see the same faces day after day and we all ignore each other. Tonight a girl got on at Basildon, talking into her mobile phone (which commuters hate btw - chatting on a mobile) Girl:...and she has slept with 65 menLady getting on behind her: Lucky girl!And all the carriage gave a good natured chuckle. It made a nice change - I don't think I have ever heard laughter in the rush hour before.

19 April, 2009

One of my pet peeves is people playing mind games. It's so dishonest. Like when someone masks a barbed comment with "I'm joking! Can't you take a joke?" or my all time favourite "You're too sensitive." What the blooming hell does that mean? It means that that they know they have upset you but are too up themselves to make an apology so they try and put you in the wrong.BTW this hasn't happened to me lately - its just something I've been meaning to blog about for ages.Steve took himself and Tom off to his Dad's early this morning to watch the Grand Prix. I didn't wake up till half past nine!!!It was nice though.I was reading AOJ where she is talking about how she likes being herself and her dogs. That is one of the things about dogs. They are great because they do get you out of the house- and I know a lot more people locally than I would if I didn't have a dog - but dogs are great excuses for not going out socialising. For example this Friday we have a wedding reception to go to, but we will both feel guilty that Tom will be by himself all day and evening. So unless it is something special (ie a wedding) we don't go out together Friday nights. The silly thing is after the initial burst of "You're home! You're home!" Tommy madness and he has been fed, he falls asleeep for the rest of the night.

18 April, 2009

Tommy is turning into a little Tinker. Steve was up early watching the Grand Prox (Freudian slip there - with that typo!)practice. Afterwards he and Tom got in the car and Steve took him over to the rugby pitch. They were out for about an hour. But Tom still insisted I took him out for a walk. How does a dog insist you take him out. He follows you everywhere and barks. A tad annoying. I ended up taking him for a ten minuter, which he had the hump about. BUT I HAVE GOT OTHER THINGS TO DO AND HE HAS ALREADY BEEN OUT FOR AN HOUR!!!!! I think he is a tinker.

I have always thought that I was five foot seven and a half. Today we were all round Mum and Dad's and we were measuring how tall the Little Dudes were (five foot and four foot seven) then we started to measure each other. I am five foot eight! I'm pleased because I've always wanted to be five foot eight. I don't feel any taller though.

I want a set of four cream ceramic place mats for my lovely dinner and chairs. I think that will look very classy. I went into Southend to get them. TK Mass has a set of TWO but I need FOUR. I stared at then very hard but unfortunately they did not magically multiply. I then traipsed round Debenhams, Next, Marks and Spencers and even Wilkinson's but they did not sell any ceramic place mats. By this time money was no object and I would have spent would it took to buy the blooming things - so perhaps it was a good job I couldn't find any. I was tempted just to buy the two, but sternly told myself that for it to look good I need four. Thank goodness I didn't see ceramic table sets in brown or black (not my colour schemes) - it could have ended in tears.Luckily by the time I got home I had got the ceramic table set yearning under control.

06 April, 2009

I was telling Steve about A Taste of Home Cooking blog. The lady takes photos of her evening meal, more or less every day.Steve : Who'd read that?!Me: MeIt is strangely addictive.

I don't know why I bother buying The Sunday Times, as I have started shouting at the articles. There was a real non story story about couples who sleep in different rooms as they like a good night's sleep and find double beds too small. Firstly - I don't care about your sleeping arrangements (but am curious about the decor) and secondly -Get a bigger bed, dums dums. Or even thirdly - you don't really like eachother that much, do you?

01 April, 2009

I'm reading Let the Right One In and I tell you something. I feel vindicated in my choice that I'd rather be a were wolf than a vampire. Vampires are disgusting. Good book though. I'll probably have nightmares tonight.

I have finished reading The Gargoyle and although I thought it a tad pretentious at first, it grew on me. I'd recommend it. Along with Richard and Judy (ouch!)

31 March, 2009

When I get in from work I get going. Dinner on, kettle on - the usual stuff. However it would help if I remember to put the hob on and when the kettle has boiled to pour the water in to the cup. I had thought I had done that and did other little chores whilst I thought the tea was brewing.

Tonight I cooked rice. Normally I cook one part rice, one part water. This time I read the cooking instructions on the packet (why?) and ended up with a pan of rice slop.Luckily I had emergency noodles.

It is 6.15 in the morning. Normally I'd be watching a bit of GMTV before I get my train. But Steve is watching the Grand Prix practice. As it is a bit too early for me to cope with all that engine roar -I'm staying upstairs. Grand Prix season seems to last for ages. *sigh*Here is a prediction: The Boxer Rebellion will be nominated for next year's Mercury Music prize.

25 March, 2009

When will book shops learn that I buy a book despite the "Richard and Judy reads" sticker. OI don't want people to think I take notice of those two.Tried to find a new bedside light for my ( I mean our) lully new bedroom. Didn't see anything that inspired me.Was horrified to discover that whilst cleaning lully new bedroom - a bit of wall had been missed!!! Soon corrected that.Back to work tomorrow. I feel like I have been off for ages. Feel v. relaxed.

We went to see The Boxer Rebellion last night. As we went into the venue I had my hand stamped! I can't re,ember the last time I went to a hand stampy place. We had a really good time and I said to Steve that we were lucky to see then in such a small venue. There were about a hundred in the audience and the bands and audience mingled. However as I sang along to the songs I did feel a bit like Mel in Flight of the Conchords.

21 March, 2009

20 March, 2009

Now I do love a drop or two of wine. Mr Robbo doesn't like wine and one of the things that I miss is sharing a bottle of wine. Last night we went to Mr Pings, a really nice, friendly Chinese restaurant. We didn't take the car and I assumed Mr Robbo would be having a beer or three.Perusing the wine menu, Steve announced that he likes sparkling wine! He said he realised that he had developed a taste for it when he won some champagne. It was lovely, eating delish Chinese food and sharing a bottle of wine.Thursday night seemed to be Ladies night. Towards the end of the evening Steve was the only man there. I think that the other ladies were dead jealous that I was with such a hunk.

19 March, 2009

Angela bought me a Ruby and Millie make up bag for my birthday. Just what I wanted! Although when I opened it some thieving toe rag had stolen all the make up! Poor Angela was so embarrassed (although not her fault). She is taking it back to the shop. But- really what a shame. Angela always wraps up the presents nicely and had put a lot of thought in the gift. From now on if we buy anything we are all going to make sure everything is as it should be.Mum treated me to a hair cut and colour and Steve bought me some Joop perfume. So I am sitting here typing, smelling lovely and looking gorgeous ;0)

16 March, 2009

This is my birthday week. I am please to say that there will be various treats.I'm working till Wednesday. That evening I'm going to my Mum's and we will be having a girly night and watch Mama Mia. Angela, Jean and Sally should be there too and Dad will be out of the way watching telly in the garden room. Thursday Steve and I will go out for dinner. There is a particular restaurant that I want to go to, but I don't think he has book it yet. Friday we will be choosing paint for the bedroom, which Steve will decorate on Saturday. And on Saturday the chairs are being delivered!!!I'm a bit nervous about that, in case I get Buyer's Remorse. That evening We are going out for dinner with the Murphys. Sunday is Mother's Day , my parents are coming over for dinner. And they will get to sit in the new chairs!!! Monday we will be going to Cromer to see Dave. Tuesday we off to The Chinnerys to watch Boxer Rebellion. NOTHING is planned for Wednesday and Thursday it is back to work.Of course this is all Plan A and subject to change at any time. Except the chairs bit.

14 March, 2009

2. Do you close your eyes on a roller coaster? I was so young I can't remember.3. When's the last time you've been sledding? I don't think I ever did...

4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone? If not with Steve, alone.

5. Do you believe in ghosts? Sometimes..

6. Do you consider yourself creative? yep.

7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife? Yep.8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie?I will always support the wronged wife.

9. Can you honestly say you know ANYTHING about politics? I actually did politics at college, so yes.

10. Do you know how to play poker? No.

11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight? Yes at the Southport Soul Convention,I didn't enjoy it.

12. What's your favorite commercial? Cadbury eye brows.

13. Who was your first love? Mr Robbo of course.14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around you, do you run a red light? I can't drive

15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you? No.

16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees? I'm ENGLISH.

17. Have you ever been Ice Skating? Once I was rubbish.18. How often do you remember your dreams?Always. They are a bit weird.19. What's the one thing on your mind? Getting ready for bed.20. Do you always wear your seat belt? Only when I'm in the car - if I wore it all the time, I'd never get out the car! LOL

21. What talent do you wish you had? To be musical.22. Do you like Sushi? Yep.

23. What do you wear to bed? Myself.24. Do you truly hate anyone? Hitler

25. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be? Oh Lord -none of then how could they live up to the hype?26. Do you know anyone in jail? Not as far as I'm aware.

27. What food do you find disgusting? meat

28. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back?I'd like to say no, but yes.

29. Have you ever been punched in the face? No.

30. Do you believe in angels and demons?As Abba says : I believe in Angels.

13 March, 2009

Its the weekend. I'm going to the theatre tomorrow with Dad. He bought the tickets and wouldn't take any money for it. I was grateful until he told me they are both senior citizen concessions. Oh the shame!

12 March, 2009

On the train home today 2 lads were talking. One of them was an expectant Dad and he was finding it all a bit too much. he and his girlfriend, he told his mate, were continually arguing. They were 19. I knew this because he said his age a lot. I felt sorry for him and his girlfriend, By what he was saying I could tell he thought that he was too young for all this and so was she. What depressed me that all their friends seemed to be in the same boat. Trying to do the right thing at such a young age.Obviously I didn't know if the pregnancy was planned ( but I was dying to ask!) but contraception is so easily available. It just seemed such a shame.

10 March, 2009

The saying "You come into the world alone and go out of it alone" really bugs me. You are not born alone. Your Mum is there.Why do Americans say "I could care less" when they mean "I couldn't care less". Is it an example of American sarcasm?When people say "I hope you don't mind me saying.." I end up minding very much?

09 March, 2009

One of the blogs that I had a link to has announced that it is going private. If you want to read it you need to email requesting access. This is one of my pet peeves. When I started blogging a few years ago a blog I followed announced that she was going private and I sent an email to request access. But after a short while she gave up on the private blog as she got fed up of not having that many readers. Hhmmn. Also I had access to it and she didn't know me from Adam. There I was another blog I used to really like but she used to do private entries. To read certain posts you had to have a password - and I kept forgetting mine...and I stopped reading it. Too much hassle.So I won't be bothering to request access. I think for a private blog to work, the blogger needs to send out invites to the readers that they want to read their stuff.But then perhaps I'm jealous - as sometimes I feel I'm writing a totally private blog...

08 March, 2009

Well after much humming and hahing we have gone with the dining chairs rather than table and chairs. Here they are . I think that they will go very well with the table and won't over power the room. Who knows once we get these babies delivered I might be able to tempt Mr Robbo to sit at the table and we can share romantic candle lit dinners for 2...STOP PRESS: We are finally going to decorate the bedroom . Yaay! I'm opting for a warm light raspberry type to make the room lully and cozy. I mean a tone of pink, but if I say pink I don't think Mr Robbo will go for it.

This morning I was reading an article in the Sunday Times Style section about wearing make up every day. Even the woman who wore make up said that if she has a stay at home day she doesn't bother to wear it. As if wearing make up is a bit guilt inducing. In my team at work (3 women and one man) I'm the only one that wears make up. The other day they were talking about how they don't bother to wear make up for work (they used the words "don't bother" I'm not being judgemental) and the bloke said his wife never wears make up. Although I'm a bit cynical when men say that - she could well be and he just hasn't noticed.I wear make up EVERY day. I think it makes me look prettier and I feel better about myself. I wear foundation, concealer, mascara, blush and lip stick. Sometimes I dab eyeshadow on or eyeliner. The only time I don't wear make up is when I've got a cold.People have commentated on my clear skin - that's the foundation baby!I first got interested in how people think about make up when an acquaintance told me he didn't like women wearing make up. I think he just didn't like me, but that is another story. His wife never wore make up and I wonder how much that was her choice.Please don't think I'm a make up Nazi. If you don't want to wear it that is fine with me. it is just interesting that such a small thing can push so many people's buttons.

07 March, 2009

05 March, 2009

Yep its true! I've got a lot of Van Morrison on my i pod and was listening to Whenever God shines his light, and thought who he is dueting with? And then I realised. Actually it reminded me of what a good voice Cliffie has got and I might down load some of his stuff. Especially Wired for sound- I used to love that!

04 March, 2009

We inherited our dining table and chairs from my parents,. My parents are so posh that it wasn't their main dinning table and chairs but the one that was in the garden room. Yes my parents have a garden room. At least they don't call the conservatory the serre. ( I once worked with a very posh lady who referred to sitting out in the serre, and when I asked what that was she said "Its the conservatory". She didn't like the word conservatory. She also thought call one's grandmother Nanny was awful. I think its lovely. nanny is much more cuddly.) Any how it is made out of pine and you can collapse the chairs and stick'em in the middle storage bit. It is just the right size and I like the wood but I HATE the chairs. They are not that comfy to sit on and I just don't think they look that good. But I really like the table. I want to replace the chairs but keep the table. But i want them to be good, comfy chairs. Looking at the prices I wonder if I wouldn't be better off buying new table and chairs. Also I'm worried that the getting lovely new chairs will make the table look not as good. Its a dilemma. There is also the added worry that when the Robbos buy any furniture Mr Robbo thinks that unless it falls apart, they is no need to replace it. He was shocked and dismayed when I told him I was getting fed up of the settee.

03 March, 2009

I was talking to my sister's eldest yesterday. He had just had his hair cut. "I look fantastic". Phew, I thought when was the last time I thought I looked fantastic? I remember when I was about 3 I had a pink fairy dress and I used to cry when I had to take it off. I think I looked fantastic in that. But since then...on a really good day (for example my wedding day - hairdresser, make up done and the most expensive item of clothing I've ever worn) I thought I looked quite pretty.

02 March, 2009

Further to the post below - I forgot to mention the wind chimes.Just finished reading How to cook for a ghost by Hope Mcintyre. I was looking forward to it as I had enjoyed the first 2 in the series. I read till the end but had guessed the murderer and the thing about Max's wife quite early on. And Lee is getting on my nerves now. I don't know if that is the author's attention, but she is irritating. In fact I didn't like any of the characters in the book, which is strange given that I really liked the first 2 - How to marry a ghost and How to seduce a Ghost. And what grown woman is called Gussie? Gusset more like.

01 March, 2009

I think that people can be divided into people that like their house strewed with trinkets, ornaments, bits and pieces; and those that regard such stuff as dust collectors. I suppose that they are right- they can be a bind to dust and I'm always scared when I clean my Nao dancers. Steve keeps well away from "my ladies" and I don't blame him. Actually Nao is my guilty pleasure, I have loved those figurines since Mum bought one from Queens Street market. It was of 2 girls, and Mum had got them cheap as one poor girl's head had broken off. Dad glued it back on. I can't remember how old I was but I must have been younger than 10, because it was in the 70's. I thought it was the most beautiful thing. As I got older and my - shall we say - artistic taste changed - I still love Nao. I especially love the ballet dancers. Its funny really because normally twee things live me cold - Cherish Teddies, crystal ornaments. I have three Naos, a big Isadorsa Duncan like dancer (v.scary cleaning the huge scarf she is twirling), a reclining ballet dancer and a little girl pushing a barrow with a puppy in it. Steve bought me that one , I think he was getting a bit fed up of the dancers.Aside from the Nao stuff, the house is strewn with photo frames, candle holders, paintings and house plants. There are greyhound figures (suppose to be Tommy and Penny) , my bridal crown is on display, various little boxes that I don't keep anything in, a mother child bronze, a Buddha, the wedding cake decoration held in a sheer box, champagne corks with 50p pieces stuck in them(isn't that supposed to be lucky?), a wooden bowl holding various stones, a blue decorative bowl, a big green glass bowl on the table, an empty champagne bottle Steve won (well it was full when he won it). A stack of decorative boxes I bought in Bali, a fancy box holding chop sticks that has a carved frog and gekko on it (again from Bali). I don't like over head lights, so I have three Tiffany lamps in the living room and side table lamp in our bedroom. And I'm not going to bother to mention the books and DVDs we've got. Or the cushions and throws.That is quite a lot of stuff isn't it?

28 February, 2009

Since I've been working in London Steve does the majority of the cleaning. Which is fantastic. But on Saturday mornings I run the place over with a duster. Give the kitchen a quick wipe down. I may clean the fish tank.Today as well as those jobs I bleached the thingy that you put in your kitchen drawer and store your cutlery in. What is that called?*A cutlery holder? I was shocked by how manky it was. The Robbos must have excellent immune systems. We do keep the house clean-honest! , but some things just get over looked. As I had all the cutlery out I bleached them as well, and in a fit bleaching also added the mugs.Then in a cleaning frenzy I pulled out our big bed and cleaned away all the dust bunnies. I say dust bunnies but dust monsters is more like it.Now I don't need to do all this. Steve polishes and vacuums during the week and if I asked him to do bleach the cutlery and mugs he would. I think cleaning the house for me, is like Tommy peeing up against stuff on our walks. I'm marking my territory.

*A cutlery tray. It is called a cutlery tray. I was making a cup of tea and it suddenly came to me.

26 February, 2009

This Facebook thing can you make you feel well left out. All my Facebook friends are real friends. That is I know them in the real not virtual world. There is one girl who I consider a good friend. We don't meet up that much, but I thought it was because we're both busy doing the stuff you have to do making a living, blah blah blah. Now, thanks to Facebook I realise she rarely returns calls, meets up because she is too busy going out with all her other friends. So I now I consider her a good friend I used to have.Still I shouldn't feel too bad. My mum hasn't even got round to accepting Angela ( my sister, her daughter) as a friend yet. That is just harsh!

25 February, 2009

I was reading Duma Key. I was all alone in the house. It was dark. I had got to the bit where Edgar sees the little twin girls on the stairs. I should I say Edgar sees the little dead twin girls ...and I heard children's voices at the front door. I nearly wet myself before I remembered that the Little Dudes were due round.Stephen King - you write some scary sh!t!

15 February, 2009

I was reading the Most Romantic Film Moments on 'tinternet and was amazed to see that Shrek wasn't on there. The bit where Shrek tells Princess Fiona she is beautiful, being tears to my eyes every time. He doesn't say "you are beautiful to me" which would imply , yeah you're big and green but I like you. He simply says she is beautiful. *happy sigh*

14 February, 2009

As I was polishing - the speaker fell off the stand and banged against the plug socket and now the plug socket is hanging off the wall. Sh!t and double sh!t. I'm going to have a husband with the hump when he gets in.

08 February, 2009

We went round our friends last night. I asked them if they would rather be a vampire or a werewolf. And they did not think it was an odd question and had an answer straight away. They would rather be vampires. Maddie wondered why I'd rather be awerewolf -all that hair! I suppose vampires are sexier, but I still stick by my choice.

07 February, 2009

We were watching Underworld last night. Well I was watching it and Steve was playing on his DS."What would you rather me a werewolf or a vampire?" I asked.Steve actually looks up from his game and stares at me "I don't know". Steve said it as if that is the most stupid question he has ever been asked."You don't know?" I suppose that is the difference between a Buffy fan and a non Buffster.Well I'd rather be a werewolf. Because a. I like dogs and wolves; b. In The OtherWorld series werewolves have super fast metabolisms and can eat loads; and c. I find the blood thing with vampires a bit icky. Really I'd like to be a Were greyhound, but I don't think that they exist.I felt a bit sorry for Michael Sheen who was it. He and Kate Beckinsale used to be a couple, but she went off with the director. Imagine you're both got in a job in the same film, and you're thinking "Oooh that will be good, spending more time together" and she runs off with the Director. I mean I could be wrong, Michael might have been going off Kate anyway.

06 February, 2009

The Robbos have been married 10 years today. I think that has been the fastest 10 years of my life. We celebrated by having a v. delish lunch at an Italian restaurant.Even better, Mum came out of hospital today, after her eye operation. We popped into see her and she looked surprisingly well. When she had the operation before (about 5 years ago) she looked like she had been punched in the face. Today her eye looked a bit swollen. The wonders of modern medicine.

Mum had an operation today. She had it under local. I was talking to her tonight and she was laughing uproariously at all my jokes. I told my sister that I thought she was high. Angela said that Mum has seemed normal to her. Could it be that I am funnier than I think I am?

04 February, 2009

Brrr - Today is been the first day I've been out since Sunday as I was laid low with a tummy bug. Good job the people at work know me - because to ring in sick when London has come to a standstill with snow is a tad whiffy. Like my bathroom was, but we won't go into that. Feel loads better but am shattered.

Hmmm - agreeing to disagree. There's this bloke that me and my friend both know. And he is a very clever sex pest. By clever I mean, he does/says something and it totally wrong foots you . You're left thinking - have I taken this the wrong way ? Have I imagined that? After this happened to me twice I thought - oh no you don't sunshine and I have avoided him ever since. My friend says that apart from that he is a nice bloke. Buttocks to that, I say. I think he uses his nice bloke persona to lull you into letting your guard down. She just can't see it.

31 January, 2009

On the train last night, someone had left a woman's magazine. It has been ages since I read a one of those, the celebrity gossip I can get off the Internet and I found the life style articles just made me feel not good enough. Any way in this magazine I was reading that were hyping up a new diet - a day on/day off diet. On your on days you can consume 500 calories and on your off days 2000 calories. They based their weight loss predictions on a 5foot 7 woman who weighed 10 stone.Now I know why I don't read such silly magazines. For starters a 5 foot 7 woman who weighs 10 stone does not need to go on a diet. When I was 10 stone (all those years ago) I was a size 12. And as to 500 calories a day - that is beyond starvation - you might as well skip food that day. And when your body thinks it is going through a famine it holds on to the fat for dear life.I think it is irresponsible, magazines printing rubbish like that.

29 January, 2009

Since my sister has got Face book, I've been a little more active on my Face book page. Really it is just lazy blogging: Gina is glad to be home! Gina is waiting for the washing to finish! Gina is waiting for the takeaway to be delivered!Gina should get a life!I've also installed Stumble - and am busy reading other blogs and neglecting my own. There are a LOT of cooking blogs aren't there?

25 January, 2009

There is a review of tips for budding writers type book in the paper today. One of the tips is that pets shouldn't have a higher profile than a chair. I disagree. One of my pet peeves (see what I'm doing there) is having a pet being mentioned and then not doing any thing with it.For example Karin Slaughter's Grant County series. The hero Sara has 2 greyhounds. They are mentioned and that's it. What is the point of them? Sara never worries about having to go home to feed the dogs, or letting them out. There is no emotional connection. In fact I can't even remember their names.Abby Cooper in Victoria Laurie's Psychic Eye series has a dachshund. Eggy is well loved and is part of the story. Not a big part, but I can see why she has the dog.The best writer to use pets in books is Sara Paretsky . Vic's love for peppy and Mitch shines through and it deals with the downside of owning a dog. ie you to walk them, even when you don't feel like it.

23 January, 2009

It was the Little Dudes's birthdays this week. They had a joint birthday tea last night. Amongst their many presents they got MP3 players. Steve showed then up to download some toons. I was impressed with their music choices - they both really like David Bowie. The Littlest Dude was walking around, listening to his player, playing air guitar. He thought he was sooo cool. I remember thinking that I was cool when I was in to Blondie. I was probably about the same age as he is now.As I have to get up v. early during the week, I don't normally go out during the week. This was bought home to me when I realised I couldn't remember the last time I didn't change my bed on a Thursday night.(Don't panic everyone, its ok, I've done it tonight!) But how regimented is that? Must make more of an effort to go out on a school night.

21 January, 2009

My old computer started to stand like an airplane about to take off. Steve tried ot fix it, buut it was an old computer. Steve sorted out the spare computer for me (yes, we have spare computers at Robbo World) but it took ages to bring anything up. Now I 've got a new (to me) PC and it is brilliant. Quiet and quick. I've been sorting out my book marks and thought I'd write a blog to celebrate. I've even updated my Facebook status for the first time ever.Mmnn Facebook. I was horrified when I went on to my home page and saw all these old drinks requests and stuff that I haven't accepted because I didn't know that they were there. It all seems bit of a faff.

19 January, 2009

We had friends round on Saturday and Steve was telling them about the time his Dad locked his car keys in the car. I've heard this story before but started to pay closer attention when Steve mentioned me being there. I wasn't! I didn't know him then! Steve took some convincing, he was sure that I had been there.It reminds me of the time I was certain that we had watched the Doctor Who film with Paul McGann as the Doctor, together. Steve swore blind we hadn't. I had to look it up on the Internet Movie database to realise he was right(for a change). We hadn't met then.It is like a weird false memory couple syndrome thingy.

17 January, 2009

It has been pretty nippy lately. We managed to keep the house nice and toasty warm. It made me wonder how people who live in converted barns, or have open plan living manage to keep their places warn when it is below zero outside. It must be an expensive nightmare. I think the Victorians and Edwardians got it right: lots of big-enough rooms carpeted and curtained rather than large 'spaces' with wooden floors and huge uncurtained windows.

11 January, 2009

I've been thinking that they are little luxuries that help me get through life. Not that I have a hard life at all, but there are a few things that make my life more pleasant.Bath oil or bath foam. A bath with out bubbles just isn't the same.Candles. In these dark long nights, it is nice to get in from work and light the candles. I find the glow relaxing and forgiving. the gentle glow hides the dust!A good book to lose myself in. At the moment Kim Harrison's All Hallows series is going it for me.Tommy -when I get home there is all ways someone literally jumping for joy that I am home.Steve -at least there is one other person that laughs at my jokes.

08 January, 2009

last time I went for a check up the dentist directed me to make an appointment with the hygienist. I think I've written before about the stains on my front teeth. The dentist has told me that the enamel is wearing thin there. Normally he cleans them with an abrasive thingy do-dah and he gets rid of it. But no matter how I clean my teeth the stains come back. Any way last time the dentist said he couldn't get rid of the stains and I'd have to consider veneers- but go to the hygienist first.

When I sorting out the appointment I was told to my dismay that the appointment was about 50 or 60 quid ( I can't remember, the horror has blocked my memory). I didn't book it. It was too expensive.

So today I'm a tad nervous about seeing the dentist with my disgusting front teeth.

This is what happened:

Dentist (as I'm lying on the chair) : So Gina you didn't see the hygienist.

Gina: I'm broke.

Dentist laughs: Oh well that is a very good excuse! Any problems.

Gina, thinking what is the point of bringing up my stained teeth : No, no niggles.

Dentist has a poke around and gives me the all clear.

Dentist: Are you sure everything is ok?

Gina,wondering if he means my financial situation or my teeth : How much are veneers?

Dentist ; £200 per tooth. Why do you want veneers?

Gina bursts out: You said I'd need them for my stained front teeth! those teeth really get me down!

07 January, 2009

I like watching the Dog Whisperer, but can't watch it if Tommy is in the same room. I suppose it is a credit to our sound system, but Tom barks along with those naughty dogs. Strangely he doesn't bark at other times when dogs are on the telly. Tom is a strange dog indeed.

03 January, 2009

I was talking to a male friend of mine the other day. A few years ago he went out this gril and it was by all accounts a very intebse relationship. She announced to me that she loved him. this was the first time I had met her and was pretty surprised by the announcement. I don't go round telling people I love Steve. I think I answered something like "Oh good".

I was pretty surprised a few months later that they had split up. bloke friends are different from girlfriends in the fact that when they tell you they have split up, you don't pry too much. Whereas with girlfriends you go through things with a fine tooth combe and analyse everything that ever happened.

Any how after several years my friend (oh how I wish I could use their real names - no one reads this anyway!) started to tell me why they broke up. He couldn't do anything right in her eyes. The wrong presents, the wrong ideas, the wrong shirt. I thought how can this be? when she was talking to me it was all how wonderful he was, how they were soul mates etc etc. I've been thinking about this and I think sometimes you build up someone in your mind so much you lose sight of the actual person. He is your soul mate! you were born to be together! You think about him all the time! So when he gets things a bit wrong- like buying Roses when you prefer Celebrations (for example) it is devastating to you. You were never make that mistake about him. Perhaps you aren't the centre of his world, but he is the centre of your world. Then you get resentful and he cops an earful and he has no idea why. or even worse you expect him to be a mind reader. That really is a lose/ lose situation.